Technology to enhance learning in the classroom

By Rachel Ethridge

Auditory

Kinesthetic Visual

Different learning types

sit where they can hear but needn't pay attention

to what is happening in front may not coordinate colors or clothes, but can

explain why they are wearing what they are wearing and why

hum or talk to themselves or others when bored acquire knowledge by reading aloud remember by verbalizing lessons to themselves (if

they don't they have difficulty reading maps or diagrams or handling conceptual assignments like mathematics).

Auditory

need to be active and take frequent breaks speak with their hands and with gestures remember what was done, but have difficulty recalling what was said

or seen find reasons to tinker or move when bored rely on what they can directly experience or perform activities such as cooking, construction, engineering and art help them

perceive and learn enjoy field trips and tasks that involve manipulating materials sit near the door or someplace else where they can easily get up and

move around are uncomfortable in classrooms where they lack opportunities for

hands-on experience communicate by touching and appreciate physically expressed

encouragement, such as a pat on the back

Kinesthetic

take numerous detailed notes tend to sit in the front are usually neat and clean often close their eyes to visualize or remember something find something to watch if they are bored like to see what they are learning benefit from illustrations and presentations that use color are attracted to written or spoken language rich in imagery prefer stimuli to be isolated from auditory and kinesthetic

distraction find passive surroundings ideal

Visual

Technology can incorporate all learning styles and reach more

students than the traditional style of teaching with lecture and textbooks. Games are available free of cost that keep students

interest. Technology is not limited to education alone, but may be able

to help in all curriculum areas. There are applications to help students learn spelling

words, math problems and even type. Some applications can be personalized to cover the

current classroom curriculim. Students can hear, see and manipulate things to learn more

effectively

Technology and different learning types

There are many different kinds of technology that will

motivate and challenge students

PDA’s ipods ipads Cell Phones Laptop Computers Ereaders Interactive Whiteboards Smart Tables

iPods can be used with the same

applications as the iPhone or iPad. There are thousands of free educational

applications available in every subject area.

iPods are small and compact Many students already own an iPod

iPods

iPads are bigger than the other

handheld devices. Bigger screen which is easier to view. Have 3g capabilities so they can be

used anywhere and do not require a wifi connection.

The larger icons are easier for smaller children to manipulate.

iPads

iPadTechnology can be used for students of all ages

to improve reading comprehension

Ohio students are required to pass a standardized test to graduate. This chart shows results from Spring 2011.

Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) Test resultsfrom Spring of 2011 for students who had access to

iPads (inblue) compared to students who did not (in yellow).

Not as expensive Free apps Free lesson plans Good for group work

PDA’s

Most students already have one Portable Most are durable Most have applications available

Cell Phones

Portable Larger screen Able to access some applications Less expensive than iPad Help students become more familiar with a

keyboard and typing

Laptops

Stimulate imagination Can be used anywhere Students won’t have to miss work because of

absence Will allow teachers to give more individual attention Will hold students attention Can be placed in otter boxes for more protection Engage students Will provide learning in different ways to reach

students who learn in different learning styles

Pros

Students could break or damage them Some students may not know how to use the

technology The technology can be expensive

Cons

Benefits of Technology

Inside the classroom

Can grab students attention

Can keep students motivated

Graphics and sound are more interesting than lecture or textbooks

Outside the classroom

Students can still view work if they have to miss school

Teacher can track progress

Students can work in most any location

Students receive visual stimulation, audio reinforcement, and interaction with

technology. Students learn when they are interested and motivated; technology

seems to do both.

www.technologygrantnews.com www.fedgrants.org www.grants.gov www.2.ed.gov

Funding for classroom technology

www.readingrockets.org www.throughstudentseyes.orrg www.teacherprincipal.com www.people.usd.edu www.ednubla.com www.scholastic.com www.rediker.com/PDA.HTML www.ikidapps.com www.learninginhand.com www.glencoe.com

References